NON-MIST VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION BY RESOURCE-POOR, RURAL FARMERS OF THE FOREST ZONE OF CAMEROON: SOME TECHNOLOGY ADAPTATIONS TO ENHANCE PRACTICE

Abstract

SUMMARY The vegetative propagation of leafy stem cuttings of high-value tropical trees using non-mist propagators is an important part of the World Agroforestry Centre's tree domestication programme. As the programme develops in the region, the need to scale-up the technology is becoming urgent. A vegetative propagation technology that is robust, adaptable and attractive to small-scale rural farmers without the need for an expensive extension system is crucial for success. This report is part of a larger on-going study to evaluate the constraints in the practice of vegetative propagation of poor rural farmers in the forest and humid savannah zones of southern, central and western Cameroon, and to tailor technology to their means and realities. The study was carried-out, through participatory on-the-spot analysis and practical evaluation of innovations with farmers following end of year group reflection meetings within the course of agroforestry research and development activities at pilot nurseries in Cameroon. The main findings are that among the farmers who practise vegetative propagation of high-value fruit and medicinal trees under non-mist conditions:- • the problem of water level management inside the non-mist propagator ranks very high; • the adoption of non-mist vegetative propagation by poor farmers will be greatly enhanced by:- - reducing costs of materials, using locally available materials were possible, and - tailoring the technology to farmer capacities, time management schedules and household division of labour.